Japan’s autumn foliage (koyo) season is the country’s second great natural spectacle after cherry blossoms — and many Japan travel enthusiasts consider it superior. The combination of maples (momiji), ginkgos (icho), and mountain forest turning from deep green to vivid red, orange, and gold against the backdrop of ancient temples and mountain scenery creates some of the world’s most celebrated landscapes.
The Foliage Calendar
Like cherry blossoms, koyo progresses from north to south: Hokkaido (late September–early October); Nikko and Tohoku mountains (mid October); Japanese Alps / Kamikochi (early–mid October); Tokyo area (mid–late November); Kyoto (mid–late November, peaking around November 20–25 in most years); Hiroshima / Kyushu (late November–early December). The Japan Meteorological Corporation publishes annual koyo forecasts from September.
Top Koyo Destinations
Kyoto: Tofuku-ji’s Tsutenkyo bridge over a maple valley is arguably Japan’s most photographed koyo scene; Eikan-do, Kinkaku-ji garden, and Arashiyama are equally spectacular. Nikko: the mountain valley and Irohazaka switchbacks turn uniformly brilliant — stunning combination with the shrine architecture. Kamikochi (Nagano Alps): alpine valley at 1,500m with dramatic peak scenery; closes in mid-November. Korankei (Aichi): 4,000 maple trees in a river valley; illumination at night. Rikugien Garden (Tokyo): the most celebrated Tokyo koyo garden, with weekend evening illumination.
Practical Considerations
Peak koyo in Kyoto (typically November 18–28) rivals cherry blossom season for crowds and accommodation prices. Book 2–3 months ahead. Shoulder dates (November 10–17 and December 1–7) offer partial foliage with significantly lower crowds. Temperatures: Kyoto in November 8–18°C; Tokyo 10–20°C; Hokkaido 0–10°C. Layering is essential — temperature swings of 10°C between morning and afternoon are common.
- Evening illuminations (raiya-appu) at Tofuku-ji, Eikan-do, and Kiyomizu-dera extend the experience into night — ticket queues can be long; arrive 30 minutes before opening.
- Ginkgo trees (icho) turn uniformly golden yellow — the Jingu Gaien avenue in Tokyo (late November) and Shinjuku Gyoen are the most celebrated ginkgo spots.
- Koyo timing varies by up to 2 weeks depending on the year’s summer temperatures — check current-year forecasts rather than relying on fixed dates.